Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 08: Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.) the Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice- Chairman, Islands Development Agency met Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, the Member of Parliament, A&N Islands along with 09 other public representatives in Raj Niwas Conference Hall at Sri Vijaya Puram.
Shri H.G.S Dhaliwal, IPS, DGP, A&N Police, Smt. Dilraj Kaur, IAS, Chief Secretary (i/c), Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner (South Andaman) and Smt. Niharika Bhatt, IPS, SP (South Andaman) were also present. Hon’ble MP raised key issues for the Islands including PRI funds, healthcare improvement, road repairs, port & shipping infrastructure, LNG project, water crisis, Plan Board meeting, Central University and local job creation.
The Lt. Governor appraised the delegation about various tourism, hospitality and infrastructure projects such as International Container Transhipment Terminal, Future-ready Greenfield Airports with dual runway in Sri Vijaya Puram, Great Nicobar Islands, Deep water port at Atlanta Bay, Ship-to-Ship transhipment in Port Meadows being undertaken by Administration. Additionally, delegation was also made aware regarding 11-Island project and proposed Golf Course catering to global standards of high-value niche tourism which are instrumental in attracting a greater number of tourists, thereby generating employment for the Islanders and boosting local economy.
Delegation was further informed about the initiatives taken to ensure large scale land availability through Compensatory Afforestation in other mainland states for essential strategic infrastructure developmental mega projects aligned with sustainable environmental norms. The Lt. Governor conveyed that UT Administration is committed and taking actions for development of Islands. Meeting ended with delegation thanking Hon’ble Lt. Governor for various development initiatives in the Islands.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 08: The peaceful ‘Andaman Bandh’ called today (8th Oct) by Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, A & N Islands at the behest of his supporters over various pending issues was highly successful. This Bandh was observed voluntarily all over the Islands and was supported by various organizations including Andaman Chamber of Commerce, Grain Dealers association, Bus operator association, Auto Associations, Gold Jewelers association, Quarry operators association, Tourism related Associations, Private Boat associations among others.
The Bandh was highly successful in Sri Vijaya Puram as the shops, business establishments, Autorickshaws, Buses, petrol pumps remained closed. Nobody was imposed for the closure, they closed their establishments voluntarily. Reports received from other parts of the Island territory indicate that business establishments and transport services remained closed from 6 am to 2 pm. No untoward incidents were reported from anywhere in the Island territory.
As decided earlier, a delegation of ten persons under the leadership of Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray today met the Lt Governor and presented a memorandum. A threadbare discussion was held on each point raised by MP in the presence of high level officials of the A & N Administration. The LG agreed to resolve almost every demand raised by the MP at the earliest. Today’s meeting between LG and MP was cordial and result oriented.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, MP, has thanked all his supporters and all the organizations including Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Grain Dealers Association, Fishers community, Builders Associations, Auto Unions, Truck Unions, Private Bus union, Vegetable Market Unions, Boat operators, Water Sports Operators among other organizations.

 

Rabindranath & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Oct 7: To address various long-standing demands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray has called for a bandh on October 8, 2024. This call comes amidst growing dissatisfaction with the local administration, particularly directed towards the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of these islands.
While the major political parties—including the Congress, BJP, and CPI(M)—have distanced themselves from the bandh, significant local associations, such as the Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and a few others have openly expressed their support. Meanwhile, the South Andaman District Administration has issued two preventive orders aimed at maintaining law and order during the protest.
In the evening, Mr. Ray was seen visiting various areas of Port Blair, engaging with stakeholders to garner support for the bandh.
Later addressing a section of media in the evening, he stated that his efforts over the past few years have been well-received, which led to his election. He criticized the LG, claiming that he has not adequately served the people of the islands and indicated that he would present evidence against the LG tomorrow.
Mr. Ray urged local shopkeepers to close their businesses from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM and gather at the MP office at 9:00 AM. He expressed concerns that some individuals and media outlets were attempting to mislead the public regarding the bandh, emphasizing that his plans remain unchanged.
As the situation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how much support Ray can gather in his efforts to address the pressing issues facing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

 

Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Oct 06: In response to the growing unrest over unresolved issues faced by the residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray has called for a Bandh on Tuesday, 8th October, from 6 AM to 2 PM.
In a letter addressed to the Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Grain Dealers and Grocers Association, and other associated organizations, the Member of Parliament highlighted the pressing problems the islanders are grappling with, accusing the A&N Administration, particularly the Lieutenant Governor, of ignoring these concerns.
The MP’s call for action came in the wake of what he describes as an “unilateral and autocratic approach” by the LG, which, according to him, is directly affecting the lives of the people in the islands.
Mr. Ray has been vocally opposing decisions made by the current administration, which he claims are detrimental to the public.
Key issues that have prompted the Bandh include severe water shortages, rising electricity tariffs, poor infrastructure of roads and ports, and unresolved land and revenue matters. Mr. Ray also emphasized that the administration should act as a facilitator for the islanders rather than an obstructionist force.
In his letter, the Member of Parliament urged the business community, including shops, factories, workshops, restaurants, and showrooms, to close their establishments until 2 PM as a mark of solidarity with the protest.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 06: The Echo of India, a daily English newspaper has started functiong from a new office premises at Junglighat. The former Member of Parliament, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma formally inaugurated the office at its new office premises. Mr. K.Ganeshan, President, Daily Newspaper Association and media persons of the local newspapers were also present. After the event, media persons discussed various issues concerning the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Rabindranath Biswas
Diglipur, Oct 06: A vitriolic agitation was held by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in front of the Assistant Commissioner’s Office, Diglipur yesterday against the A & N Islands’ Lieutenant Governor, Admiral D K Joshi (Retd.) and also to manifest their rock solid solidarity with the lone Member of Parliament from A & N Islands Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray who had been reportedly denied entry into Raj Niwas and who then sat on the road in front of the gate of the Raj Niwas braving the torrential rain on 4th Oct 2024 to reportedly register his protest against the Lieutenant Governor.

According to information, the agitation was held by the BJP leaders and workers to reportedly send a message that the BJP is unwaveringly standing behind Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray all along the lines in political front as well as the MP’s taking up the public issues with Administration. On the other hand, as people of A & N are aware that Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray & Lieutenant Governor reportedly are at daggers drawn for the last couple of weeks on various issues and which came to surface a number of times, the BJP reportedly now don’t want to let it go easily, and hence they mounted the protest and resorted to block the road (NH4) across Dolphin Chowk here.

Mrs. Suniti Haldar, BJP District President, Diglipur addressed the crowd and lashing out at the LG, she said that the developmental works in A & N Islands have completely come to a halt and when the MP is raising these issues, he is being reportedly badly treated by the LG and which they were not going to tolerate; as the MP was elected by the people of these islands for raising their grievances and fight for their rights and welfare which he has been actively doing since the day he was elected the MP.

She further said that farmers aren’t getting fertilizer, NH4 is in a grim situation, PRIs are crippled by the paucity funds while the LG is reportedly sitting indifferent. The agitators also attempted to burn an effigy of LG DK Joshi, but it was reportedly foiled by the police personnel deployed at the agitation site. The Assistant Commissioner, Diglipur, Mr. Kamleshwar Rao was seen to intervene and meet the agitators which resulted in a meeting with protesters till forenoon and then the agitators dispersed the protest site.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 04: The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS, today flagged off the highly anticipated ‘Island Rumble Ride’, an event set to make its mark in the ‘World Book of Records’. The Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, the Director IP&T, Shri Azharuddin Zahiruddin Quazi, IAS, members of the Hoteliers Association, members of the ACCI were also present during the flag off ceremony held at the Flag Point here today. The Island Rumble Ride aspires to earn a spot in the World Book of Records, making it a historic event for motorcycling enthusiasts across the globe. This journey is not only about adventure but also about showcasing the stunning tourism potential of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
In his brief address, the Chief Secretary, extended a warm welcome to all the bikers from Chennai & other parts of India to the pristine A&N Islands, which he said, is the most sought after tourist destination. The Chief Secretary said, the tranquility & natural beauty of the Islands attract tourists. The bikers will get a glimpse of Andaman, which is known for its enchanting beaches, rich flora & fauna and many more. He also appreciated the bikers’ participation & enthusiasm and their way to see the beauty of Andaman riding Harley-Davidson. The Chief Secretary said, events of such magnitude will put A&N Islands on World Tourism Map and hoped that this event will continue here in A&N Islands with bigger participation next year.
The Chief Secretary further said that this event will also inspire the bikers around the world to come and see A&N Islands. A&N Administration will provide all possible help for this event, so that the bikers enjoy the place and they will also inspire others to come and enjoy the place. Concluding his speech, the Chief Secretary extended his best wishes to the bikers for a joyful and safe ride.
The event saw the participation of 43 riders from across India, all geared up for a remarkable motorcycling journey through the scenic beauty of the Andaman Islands. Organized by Venus Motorcycle Tours, founded by Ajith Kumar, the event embodies a passion for motorcycling and adventure. Venus Motorcycle Tours has a rich history of organizing thrilling global rides across destinations like Scotland, Portugal, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Alps. With a focus on offering scenic routes and immersive cultural experiences, the company continues to bring together riders from around the world for unforgettable journeys.
Supported by the Harley-Davidson Marina Chapter (Chennai) and the Harley-Davidson Banjara Chapter (Hyderabad), the event was the largest Harley-Davidson gathering in Sri Vijaya Puram. The riders, during their stay here, will traverse iconic landscapes, blending the excitement of motorcycling with the rich culture and natural beauty of the region.
The Hoteliers Association of A&N Islands served as the hospitality partner for the event, ensuring that the participants experience the best of local culture and hospitality. TCI Seaways joined as the logistics partner, playing a vital role in coordinating the smooth transport of participants and equipment.